India vs England 2016: 4th Test, Day 2 - 5 talking points

India bowled out England for 400 on Day 2 at the Wankhede and went a considerable way in matching their total by scoring 146/1 at stumps, courtesy a 107-run stand between Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara. Vijay remained unbeaten on 70 and Pujara came within 3 runs of yet another half-century in the series.

Earlier, Ashwin and Jadeja cleaned up the England tail, but not before Buttler helped the English to a massive first-innings total of 400. His 76 and crucial 54-run stand with Jake Ball frustrated India. Ashwin finished with six wickets and Jadeja had four to his name.

KL Rahul and Vijay started proceedings in a positive fashion against Anderson and Woakes but Moeen Ali dismissed Rahul by spinning one through his gate. Vijay was, however, unperturbed and scored his second 50+ score in the series and looks set for another ton.

Although the England spinners found turn on a pitch conducive to spin, they were wayward and failed to land the ball with consistency. A wasted review against Pujara also did not help their case and they need to better their bowling on day 3 to help maintain their first innings advantage.

Here are the talking points from the day's play at Mumbai:

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#5 Stokes misery is Ashwin's gain

In the 97th over, Ashwin spun one across Stokes, who tried to defend but the ball turned past the edge, producing a distinct noise and was caught by Kohli at slip. The umpire gave it not out but Kohli sent it upstairs.

Shamshuddin, the third umpire saw an ultra edge on the Snickometer and ruled Stokes out despite the noise and spike having clearly come from Stokes' bat hitting the ground. The ball moved past the bat at the same instance and this may have prompted Shamshuddin to overturn the onfield call.

Ashwin was rewarded with yet another five-wicket haul as a result of the wicket and Stokes, who looked extremely unhappy with the call, had to walk back to the pavilion.

#4 India bowl 121 overs with a ball

Kohli decided against taking the new ball

India had the option of taking the new ball at the end of 80 overs but chose to continue with the old ball, given the turn the spinners were extracting from it. On Day 2 as well, India began proceedings with the spinners and continued with the old ball.

There was no sign of pace until the new ball was taken in the 122nd over of the innings. Jadeja, Ashwin and Jayant had bowled for 105 minutes since the start of play on Day 2 with the old ball.

The ball must have clearly worn out having suffered agony for 121 overs, a rarity even in India. Given India took four wickets with the ball after the 80th over, it seemed like a good decision to stick with the old ball.

#3 England enter safe zone courtesy Jos Buttler

Buttler lead the English to a comfortable total

A redemption innings in red ball cricket for Jos Buttler helped England to 400 in the first innings. Buttler was much more assured with his footwork against the spinners than in the previous Test and showed better judgement while leaving the ball.

His 76 was a brilliant knock highlighted by nimble footwork and excellent reading of Ashwin's carrom balls. His 54-run stand with Ball frustrated Kohli and India as England edged past 350 and into 400.

At the Wankhede, no team has lost after scoring more than 350 runs in the first innings and this piece of stat is sure to make England fans happy. They have 50 more on board and if they bowl well, have a realistic chance to claim their first victory of the tour.

#2 Ashwin takes five yet again

Ashwin’s incredible form continues

Ashwin had ended Day 1 on four wickets after taking three quick ones late in the day, including that of Johnny Bairstow, who has been one of the better players of spin for England in the series. He had also dismissed Ali and Jennings after tea on Day 1.

On Day 2, Ashwin dismissed Stokes in the third over of the day, caught at slips by the skipper although replays revealed that the third umpire had made a wrong call to give Stokes out. He later came back into the attack to dismiss Jake Ball after Buttler and Ball threatened to take England to 450.

The 6/112 turned out to be his best figures in the series and now has 21 wickets in four Tests at an average of 27.85. On Day 2, Ashwin used the old ball effectively to partner with Jadeja and plot England's downfall from 288/5.

#1 Murali Vijay returns to form

Vijay is well on his way to a ton

Murali Vijay had been unusually quiet at the top of the order ever since India toured West Indies. Although he did start the series with a 126 at Rajkot, it came in a belter of a wicket where almost all batsmen flourished.

He had a poor run against New Zealand too, despite playing at home. This innings, however, he played with more intent and was on the attack right from scratch. Although he did miscue Ali and Rashid while trying to go over the top, both landed safely away from the fielders.

Vijay, unbeaten on 70, is a massively positive sign for India who would want some stability and experience from their openers. He hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in a knock that helped India climb back into the game.